Use Of Internet Sites Research Articles

TRAINING OF STUDENTS IN THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT BUSINESS DURING DISTANCE LEARNING

The peculiarities of the use of Internet resources in the process of teaching students for hotel and restaurant business in the process of their distance learning are revealed in the researching. Scientific publications were analyzed, in which the introduction of distance learning in general and in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic in particular was studied. The potential aspects of using Internet resources in educational process is considered. It includes the following opportunities: search for literature sources according research problem, synchronization of translation work from foreign sources, storage and accumulation of information, organization of communication, graphics, sound effects, distribution, planning, testing and implementation research results. Students should be introduced to the organization of the educational process and material and technical base of the university in the process of distance learning are investigated in this article. In particular, it proposes to do with the help of created viber groups, introductory meetings in ZOOM, 3-D excursions. The study focuses on the use of Internet environments Moodle, ZOOM, Viber, and also revealed methodological aspects of the use of Internet sites in the process of distance learning of individual educational components of future hotel and restaurant professionals. Aspects of the use of the Internet resources during the introduction of students with the infrastructure of hotel and restaurant enterprises are also substantiated; the peculiarities of the organization of hotel and restaurant enterprise and catering are defined; the classification of hotel and restaurant enterprises, analysis of PR-technologies in the hotel and restaurant business are investigated. Approaches to the formation of knowledge the design of objects of the service sector, and training in graphic and design activities using the following software environments Kompass-3D, AutoCAD and NanoCAD are represented. The authors developed a model of using Internet resources in the process of professional training in hotel and restaurant business, which provides for the grouping of methodological aspects of the use of Internet sites in the process of studying disciplines in hotel and restaurant business. The positive and negative aspects of distance learning technology with the use of Internet resources are outlined.

ПОТРЕБИТЕЛЬСКОЕ ПОВЕДЕНИЕ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИИ В ЭКОНОМИКЕ

The article examines the structure of modern consumer behavior in the context of digitalization of trade. An important consequence of the development of Internet technologies is the digitalization of society, as well as the virtualization of various aspects of economic relations. These aspects include not only the digitalization of money, but also the digitization of markets for goods and services. The paper analyzes statistical data on sales on the Internet, as well as on the dynamics of the growth of the online shopping market in Russia and the world as a whole. Trends in the structure of the use of Internet services are revealed. Analysis of the Internet traffic of Russian citizens revealed an increase in its use as a means of ordering goods and services. There was a pronounced increase in the volume of online purchases, in particular, since 2017, there has been an increase in the number of orders on the Internet in Russia, but more than half of the country's population does not use the Internet to make purchases. The assessment of the behavior of modern consumers is given. The reasons that can influence consumers when choosing a shopping method are identified. The analysis of the terms of transactions in the digital space revealed differences and similarities with the classical theory of economic behavior. Due to psychological aspects, the use of funds on the Internet increases the expenses of the population. Using the example of the use of Internet sites and services, a brief justification of current trends in behavioral economics is given. Various techniques and methods of sales promotion on the Internet are described. Parallels are drawn between the techniques of offline and online stores to attract the attention of customers. The shares of Internet commerce in the GDP of various countries are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of digital and direct trading are revealed. There is a difference in the number of competitors in both cases. Psychological factors affecting the attitude of consumers to sellers are described. With the continuing trend, the modern Russian economy is striving for full digitalization. The use of new Internet technologies has led to a change in the format of interaction between sellers and buyers.

Вертикальные ограничения на глобальных цифровых рынках

Vertical restraints applied by major operators of digital markets have become a serious challenge for international regulators and governments of leading world powers in recent years. Having new specific features in comparison with the restraints in force in traditional sales channels, they can lead to a rapid strengthening of the market power of dominant online platforms and to the subsequent monopolization of markets. The article is devoted to the study of business practices of applying various types of vertical restraints in global digital markets. Using the example of global leading companies (Apple Inc., Amazon, Booking.com., Microsoft, etc.), the market consequences of the introduction of exclusive and related contracts, cross-platform parity agreements, as well as a wide range of transaction bans are demonstrated. In particular, suppliers and dealers are significantly limited in their ability to sell competing products and brands and list them on major online marketplaces. Bans are introduced on the use of Internet sites for price aggregation and comparison, as well as certain e-commerce platforms and certain types of payment means. At the same time, there are significant penalties for non-compliance with the terms of vertical contracts. Buyers and users are limited by the possibilities of using software products of independent developers, connecting to competing online services. Technological solutions are being introduced that increase the costs of sharing hardware and software of competing operators. And such solutions are greatly simplified in the conditions of existing “closed” global digital ecosystems. It is shown that the norms of vertical contracts of major market players are able to effectively eliminate the cost advantages of both existing operators and new firms, significantly increasing the entry costs and reducing potential of entering firms to attract the target audience at the start of activity. The most vulnerable here are, first of all, small highly specialized companies using low-budget business models. The author proposes a theoretical model that reveals the mechanism that prevents new firms from achieving the minimum effective sales volume. Using the example of the distributor’s retail price control strategy, it is proved that the use of vertical contracts allows both increasing the profits of existing operators and successfully preventing potential competitors from entering the market. At the same time, it is noted that the use of vertical restraints contributes to solving a number of current business problems of large digital companies: effective protection of investments in the development of e-commerce channels, limiting the turnover of counterfeit products, deepening the differentiation of market supply, reducing the risks of price wars and leveling the actual “stowaway problem”. Therefore, the qualification of vertical restraints as good practices, or as abuses of market power, should be based on an analysis of the objectives of such restraints and a comprehensive assessment of their potential consequences. An important step towards solving this complex and very sensitive problem may be the adoption of the Digital Markets Act by the European Parliament in 2023.

Philosophical Musings on the Underbelly of Information Age

There is an underbelly of the Age of Information. Its opportunities and promises have been diverted to dubious ends, manipulating the users of information technologies for economic rewards and political power. Drawing and extrapolating on previous and current research, we pose different ways to characterize the Age of Information as the Age of Plato's Cave-Dwellers (inspired by Plato and Aristotle), the Age of Distraction (inspired by Heidegger), the Age of Disinformation (inspired by the manipulation of internet content to provoke information-disinformation wars), the Age of Surveillance Capitalism (inspired by information technology companies' use of software and apps to manipulate consumer behavior), and the Age of Inflamed Grievances (inspired by the use of internet sites and apps to solidify and inflame partisan political grievances so as to maintain, gain or manipulate political power). The last two pose the greatest dangers to the destruction of democracies, countries and the planet.

Lingering health-related anxiety about radiation among Fukushima residents as correlated with media information following the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Following the March 2011 accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, many residents of Fukushima have faced anxieties about the health impacts of radiation exposure. Considering that source of information may influence resident anxiety, this study aimed to elucidate the correlation between the two. In addition, a health literacy query was included to examine a possible relationship between anxiety and health literacy skills. A mail survey was conducted in August 2016 among 2000 residents of Fukushima Prefecture aged 20 to 79 years. Survey items included questions about current health anxieties caused by radiation, trusted sources of information about radiation, and media used to obtain information on radiation. The survey valid response rate was 43.4%. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that anxiety was significantly higher for the groups indicating “trust in citizen groups” and “use of internet sites.” Anxiety was significantly lower for the groups indicating “trust in government ministries,” “trust in local government,” and “use of local broadcast television.” Also anxiety was significantly lower for groups with higher health literacy. It was found that the significant relationship to anxiety varies depending on the sources of trust and media used. There is a possibility that this was caused by the difference between the contents of each information and media reports. In preparation for any future nuclear accident, government may consider action to improve the media literacy of residents. In addition, improving health literacy of both the recipient and the sender of information can improve access to information and thereby safeguard the health and well-being of the public.

Understanding factors influencing public transport passengers\u2019 pre-travel information-seeking behaviour

This paper investigates factors influencing public transport passengers’ pre-travel information-seeking behaviours in a British urban environment. Public transport traveller surveys were conducted to better understand the journey stages at which information was sought and the information sources used. A multivariate explanatory model of pre-travel information-seeking behaviour was developed using binomial logistic regression. Explanatory factors considered include socio-demographics, trip context, frequency of public transport use, information sources used, and smartphone ownership and use. Findings suggest that travel behaviour (5 + trips weekly, and < 1 trip weekly), socio-demographics (unemployment/unknown employment), trip context (journey planning stages, mode of transport), and preferred information sources (Internet site, word-of-mouth, visits to travel shop/centre/library) were significant predictors of pre-travel information-seeking behaviours among surveyed travellers. While the final model found that bus users are significantly associated with the use of Internet sites as a source of pre-travel information, rail users rely significantly on a multiplicity of sources comprising Internet sites, word-of-mouth, and visits to a travel shop/centre/library. The final model suggests that metro (light rail) users tend not to seek pre-travel information. The odds of seeking pre-travel public transport information are 2.512 times greater for respondents who reported < 1 trip per week as opposed to those who reported 5 + trips per week. These findings are relevant for passenger information strategies deployed by operators and authorities and can be used to caution against a “one size fits all” strategy for travel information service provision. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Brief report: nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescence: turning to the Internet for support

Research has highlighted the salience of online activity involving nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents who self-injure. Most research in this area has been descriptive in nature, however, little is known about the precise activities by these youth and whether this varies by NSSI frequency. Thus, the present study examined the frequency of Internet site use for emotional health reasons and the specific online activities for emotional health reasons among adolescents who reported recent, past and no engagement in NSSI. One hundred and forty-two adolescents (Mage = 14.43, SD = .57; 64.1% female) completed a series of questionnaires to assess NSSI status and online activity. The findings revealed an interesting pattern of Internet use among adolescents who recently engaged in NSSI indicative of connecting (sharing and getting support) online, in contrast to those with a past history of self-injury who reported online activity more similar to those with no history of self-injury. Research and clinical implications are discussed.

Changing Roles of Traditional and Online Media as Trusted News Sources in Qatar and Their Relationships with Perceived Important Issues and Interest in Politics

This paper analyzes changes in media consumption patterns for trusted news sources over a three-year period among Qatari Nationals and expatriate residents living in Qatar, using data from the 2010, 2011, and 2012 Omnibus Surveys of Life in Qatar, administered by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI). Results show that television remains the strong favorite for local news and international news for both Qatari Nationals and expatriate residents, but that reliance on television is declining, especially for international news. Consumption of daily newspapers as the preferred source of local news remained stable among Qataris, but declined among expatriates. Internet news sites as the preferred source for local news increased during the three-year period. Additional analyses suggest weak agenda-setting effects between trusted news sources and perceived most important issues, and positive correlations between use of Internet sites and interest in political news.

Academic Dishonesty

IntroductionAcademic dishonesty is an issue of concern world-wide. In universities it has become a stumbling block genuine research activity, crippling talent and the potential of students who are future leaders every field. The advent of the Internet has made it easier for students to indulge dishonest practices. As Young (2001) has pointed out, in recent years, professors have been frustrated by the way more and more students use the Internet to cheat-by plagiarizing the work of other students, by copying material from online reference works, by buying term papers from online paper-writing companies, and by other means. On the other hand, college and university libraries' records show a bleak picture of borrowing books by the students for their studies and research work. This is an indication that most students depend on web-based information. While this itself may not indicate that such information is being used unethically, it does point out an enhanced potential for doing so.Academic dishonesty consists of any deliberate attempt to falsify, fabricate or otherwise tamper with data, information, records, or any other material that is relevant to the student's participation any course, laboratory, or other academic exercise or function (Delta College, 1999). The Delta College definition further explained that academic dishonesty includes acts of cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty that are intended to gain unfair academic advantage. This includes plagiarism, which is deliberately presenting work, words, ideas, theories, etc., derived whole or part from a source external to the student as though they are the student's own efforts. Other academic misconduct includes falsifying or fabricating data, records, or any information relevant to the student's participation any course or academic exercise, or tampering with such information as collected or distributed by the faculty member. On a similar note, Loyola Marymount University (2012) provides some examples of academic dishonesty, such as cheating and facilitating cheating, plagiarism, falsification of data, unauthorized access to computers or privileged information, improper use of Internet sites and resources, and improper use of non-print media. These various types of academic dishonesty show the complexity of the issue. It is important to understand the complexity and difficulty order to find effective ways to resolve or minimize dishonesty.To deal with this problem a number of universities have introduced policies and procedures. For instance, University of Botswana's (UB) basic goal is to foster a learning environment that helps students to grow personally and professionally, and to attain academic excellence. UB expects all its students to uphold the highest personal and academic standards of honesty and integrity. A task group on academic dishonesty among UB Students was set up by the Deputy Vice Chancellor's office March 2005. Consequently, UB had introduced an academic honesty policy for students. Through this policy UB seeks to promote the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity for all students and to enforce these standards by means of fair, objective, and expeditious procedures (Revised Academic Honesty Policy for Students, 2007).There have been numerous reports, both formal and informal, of the high incidence of academic dishonesty among higher education students. The general perception is that this problem is endemic universities worldwide and some believe it is increasing (Schemo, 2001). Anecdotal and reported evidence indicates that there are many ways which students cheat, and the now widespread use of the Internet universities offers yet another avenue for students inclined to this type of behavior (Szego, 2000).Within the universities under study, many lecturers have informally raised concerns about the increasing incidence of academic dishonesty among students. …

Internet Sex Ads for MSM and Partner Selection Criteria: The Potency of Race/Ethnicity Online

The explosive growth in Internet use by men who have sex with men (MSM) to find sexual partners has been noted in the research literature. However, little attention has been given to the impact of participating in this online sexual marketplace for MSM of color, despite race and ethnicity as frequently used selection criterion in personal ads or profiles. Six focus group discussions (n = 50) and 35 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with African American, Latino, or Asian and Pacific Islander MSM in Los Angeles, which included discussion of their use of Internet sites to meet or interact with other MSM. Men reported race and ethnicity as a pervasive and powerful factor in facilitating or derailing Internet-mediated sexual encounters. The racialized interactions that MSM of color reported ranged from simple expressions of race-based preferences, to blatantly discriminatory or hostile interactions, and often demeaning race-based sexual objectification. Experiences of rejection and a perceived hierarchy of value in the sexual market based on race had definite costs for these MSM using these online sites. Furthermore, the private and solitary nature of seeking partners online meant that there was little to buffer the corrosive aspects of those negative experiences. These online dynamics have implications for the power balance in Internet-mediated sexual liaisons, including sexual decision making and sexual risk.

Witchcraft: Changing patterns of participation in the early twenty first century

Based on statistics from selected search engines, websites, and blogs this paper argues that there are indications that the phenomenal growth of Witchcraft and Paganism during the late twentieth and early twenty-first century may be slowing. In particular, inquisitive inquiry about contemporary Witchcraft—that is, those who are not Witches but are looking for information about it, such as seekers, dabblers, researchers, students doing term papers, and newspaper reporters—has declined since 2004. This decline, however, does not indicate that the religion is “dying” out because while the rate of increase has slowed it has not been eliminated; and of greater import, community networking appears to have remained stable, or possibly to have increased. Community networking can be seen in the use of Internet sites to share information about Witchcraft, upcoming rituals, or books and teachers; those participating in dialogue; or using the Internet as part of their spiritual work or for communications between coven meetings, or with coven members who are unable to attend. The statistics suggest that contemporary Witchcraft and Paganism may be in a period of change, in which there is a consolidation of membership with a slowing of the rate of new members, particularly among the young. Community building on the Internet continues to be important, but the intensity appears to be lessening, with indications of more people “posting” but doing so less frequently. We suggest that this indicates that Witchcraft is now entering a new phase that of consolidation with less intense participation by members.

Website Effectiveness in Wellness Promotion By Portuguese Spas

Until 2004, Portuguese spas were traditionally thought of as establishments in which noninvasive therapies based on naturally occurring sources of mineral water are provided under professional supervision. With the publication of the Decree-Law No. 142/2004, Portuguese legislation regulating spas changed quite dramatically: from that moment on, spa-owners, numbering some 40 establishments countrywide, were allowed to open up what had hitherto been a strictly health-orientated sector. Since then much has changed in the Portuguese mineral springs spa market: one of the main innovations has been the introduction of a large variety of services that may be termed ‘wellness treatments’ — therapies not strictly related to pre-existing health conditions. These are now being offered as a product range in their own right, along with traditional medical treatments, thus diversifying the services provided, with all based on the same highly therapeutic naturally occurring mineral water. Thus spa services are no longer just a health product but have also become a tourist attraction, thereby legally formalising something that, to a limited extent, had always been the case. With the change in the services offered, the typical customer profile has also modified significantly: users of today's spa facilities are younger (between 25 and 45 years of age) than in the past, from the middle- to middle-upper socioeconomic stratum, live in large urban centres, have a reasonably high level of education, and could be either male or female. Such clients often prefer making various short trips over the year to test out different destinations, and choose registered hotels with three or more stars for their stays. The changing client profile has forced firms to adapt the means they employ to establish a growing and loyal client base. Indeed, over the past five years, a large majority of Portuguese spa service providers have significantly upgraded not only their services and infrastructures, but also their use of internet sites. With these changes in mind, the study reported on here aimed to analyse the way such firms currently communicate with prospective clients using the web. The results of this study may offer both Portuguese spas and those in other locations the opportunity to further improve their dialogue with current and potential spa-goers.

Appreciation of apparel e‐tailing by Dutch fashion consumers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview about the Dutch fashion retailers' use of internet sites and the Dutch consumers' appreciation of apparel e‐tailing.Design/methodology/approachA selection of apparel chain stores was made with the criterion of having more than ten shops to investigate fashion retailers' sites. The sites were rated by the results of Google's search engines on name. Six categories about the content of the site were taken to measure completeness and the developmental stage of these web sites.FindingsRetailer internet developments appear to be mainly complementary to their brick‐and‐mortar shop retail channel strategy. Of the interviewed consumers in The Netherlands 15 per cent had bought garments on the internet. Age and gender effects were not found. Inhibiting factors were security worries about payment, privacy and delivery, but the expected reasons such as fun, product information and fit, feel and look were less important.Research limitations/implicationsSince factors that inhibit buying on the internet are mainly connected to internet technology and insecurity, the prediction of 25 per cent of the consumers buying garments on the internet is only justified if internet use and buying becomes more generally accepted by larger consumer groups.Practical implicationsApparel internet sales by retailers is a significantly growing retail channel. To be successful, retailers should take five recommendations seriously.Originality/valueThis paper offers an overview of current apparel retail internet strategies and an analysis of consumer data about apparel buying. Results are interpreted to offer recommendations to apparel retailers in general.

Impact of Language Anxiety and Self-Efficacy on Accessing Internet Sites

Language interface plays a critical role as the foundation of communication. Possessing greater fluency in the host language can lead to increased opportunities for interaction with host members. This research is to examine the impact of language and Internet usage anxiety and self-efficacy on the intended uses of Internet sites, respectively. By the same token, whether Internet/language self-efficacy would mediate the effects of Internet/language anxiety on the intention of the Internet site use is also examined. A valid sample of 368 undergraduates was tested in this study. The path analysis results mostly supported the model tested. The results display that the anxiety of language and Internet use have significantly influenced self-efficacy of Internet use and language, respectively. Anxiety about language and Internet use have also significantly influenced the intention to use Internet sites individually. Furthermore, language self-efficacy has significantly influenced the intention to use Internet sites, but Internet self-efficacy has not. The implications are discussed at the end of the paper.

Textbook of Intravenous Anesthesia

Textbook of Intravenous Anesthesia